Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Sulfuric Acid

INCI: SULFURIC ACID

CAS Number
7664-93-9
Function
Buffering (pH adjustment)
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted for cosmetic use as pH adjuster; no concentration limit specified but product safety required

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

3 study endpoints found for Sulfuric Acid. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL 266 mg/kg bw/day oral sheep Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 214 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1429 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Signal Word
DANGER
Pictograms
skull;toxic; corr
Hazard Statements
Fatal if inhaled Causes severe skin burns and eye damage May cause respiratory irritation May be osive to metals See Notes
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Exposure could cause asphyxiation due to swelling in the throat. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on the eyes and the upper respiratory tract have become manifest. Inhalation may cause asthma-like reactions (RADS). Medical observation is indicated. See Notes.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause effects on the lungs. Risk of tooth erosion upon repeated or prolongated exposure to an aerosol of this substance. Mists of this strong inorganic acid are carcinogenic to humans. See Notes.
Routes of Exposure
Serious local effects by all routes of exposure. The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.

Expert Verdict

CORROSIVE — H314, causes severe skin burns and eye damage; classified as hazardous substance; GHS pictogram required on raw material; EU Annex III restricts final product pH; workplace OEL: 0.05 mg/m³; must not be present as free acid in final formulation; full neutralization must be verified

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sulfuric Acid safe in cosmetics?

CORROSIVE — H314, causes severe skin burns and eye damage; classified as hazardous substance; GHS pictogram required on raw material; EU Annex III restricts final product pH; workplace OEL: 0.05 mg/m³; must not be present as free acid in final formulation; full neutralization must be verified The EU classifies Sulfuric Acid as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 3 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Sulfuric Acid allowed in the EU?

Sulfuric Acid EU regulatory status: restricted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Sulfuric Acid do in cosmetics?

Sulfuric Acid functions as: Buffering (pH adjustment). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 7664-93-9.

What is the Margin of Safety for Sulfuric Acid?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for Sulfuric Acid?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Sulfuric Acid is 266 mg/kg bw/day based on a Short Term Toxicity study via oral route in sheep. A total of 3 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Is Sulfuric Acid classified as hazardous under GHS?

Sulfuric Acid carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Fatal if inhaled Causes severe skin burns and eye damage May cause respiratory irritation May be osive to metals See Notes. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

Compliance Tools

Check Sulfuric Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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